Travel with disabilities: plan ahead

Traveling with disabilities can be a challenge but by planning ahead many of
these challenges can be addressed and overcome. Whenever possible, plan and book flights well in advance and
inform travel agents and airline representatives of the following:

Type of disability and equipment aids such as canes, crutches or wheelchairs
(manual or power).

Special dietary requirements or need for assistance at meals (airline
personnel are not permitted to assist with eating, but should assist with
opening packages and identifying food items on a meal tray).

Whether another person will accompany the disabled traveler.

Call the airline
directly to ensure that all disability-related needs will be met. Ask for the
name and position of each person you speak with and record this
information.

Make arrangements for travel to and from airports. Many U.S. companies like
taxis and airport shuttles offer this service free of charge. Make these
arrangements well in advance along with your flight arrangements to avoid
frustration upon arrival and departure.

European facilities have call buttons or telephones at designated points to
enable you to communicate your arrival at the airport and ask for assistance
both outside and inside the terminal building.

Arrive at the airport one hour earlier than normally advised. This will
allow time for accommodations to be made and avoid delays.

You may want to consider varying the lengths of your flights depending on
disability-related needs. Long flights may be uncomfortable, especially for
people who cannot use inaccessible airplane toilets. Shorter connecting flights
may be a better alternative.

Allow at least 90 minutes between connecting flights (or longer if required
to pass through immigration and customs during a layover) in order to ensure
enough time to transfer between gates.

Air carriers must provide enplaning and deplaning assistance requested by
passengers with disabilities, including assistance beyond the screener
checkpoints, and between connecting gates, but have discretion in how this
assistance is provided. You may also request that an unticketed individual
assist you through security to your boarding gate, but individuals who wish to
assist passengers with disabilities beyond the screener checkpoint will be
required to present themselves at the airline’s check-in desk and receive a
„pass“ allowing them to go through the screener checkpoint without a
ticket.

Carry personal supplies such as medications (in original containers with
prescription), eyeglasses, hearing aid equipment, or other such essentials in
your carry-on bag.

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